Unblockable Attack

An Unblockable attack (ガード不能技 gādo funō-waza) is an offensive move executed in game. As the name suggests, it is impossible to block the attack in any way, thus the attack must be dodged to avoid taking damage. In the first two Tekken games, it was possible to jump unnaturally high, allowing the player to avoid the attack by jumping. Later on, this feature was removed, after which the options to escape unblockable attacks became sidestepping, hitting the opponent while he/she is charging, back-dashing or reversing/parrying the attack. Some unblockable attacks, which aim either high or mid-range, can be evaded simply by crouching. While a risky strategy, unblockable attacks can also be countered.

Gameplay

Every character can perform at least one unblockable attack, either by executing it as a stand-alone move, or running four or more steps and tackling the standing or crouching opponent (this feature first appeared in Tekken 2).

The unblockable attack first appeared in Tekken. Only a few characters had unblockable attacks, such as Yoshimitsu, Nina and Anna Williams, Lee Chaolan, Marshall Law and Jack. With the exception of Jack's stage five wind up punch, which was an instant knockout, the unblockable attacks in the first Tekken only inflicted 40% worth of damage to a player's health. It was not until Tekken 2 that unblockable attacks became both more common, not being limited to a few selected characters, and much more varied in style and power.

Unblockable attacks usually require a little bit of time to charge them up, but, if timed correctly, they will be devastating on impact. A typical unblockable attack deals, on average, around 70-90 damage points, but there are weaker attacks that, in turn, require less charge time (such as Kunimitsu's body stab, dealing a mere 25 damage points).

Trivia

The strongest unblockable attack in the game belongs to the Jacks. Their wind-up-punch can, with a clean counter hit and fully wound up, deal 246 damage. Otherwise, it will deal 199 damage, which is still an instant knock-out by far.